Archaeologists have announced that a sinkhole opened up in front of the Pantheon has brought to light the ancient flooring in Piazza Della Rotonda.
The flooring was uncovered during works in the 1990s but was sealed up again after being documented by archaeologists who now re-examine the ancient remains.
The area was completely transformed in the second century AD, under Emperor Hadrian, with the level of the piazza raised and repaved.